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Black Squirrel Productions

Project Type

Film Production Company + Festival

Date

2013-15

Role

Founder + Co-President

Location

Augustana College-IL

Black Squirrel Productions was a groundbreaking film production club and festival that I co-founded during my time at Augustana College-IL. Motivated by a shared passion for filmmaking and a lack of film program or narrative options at our college, a group of friends and I decided to take matters into our own hands and create a platform for aspiring filmmakers.

At the time, there was a growing interest in filmmaking among students, and we realized that there was a need for a space where we could explore our creative visions and collaborate with like-minded individuals. With limited resources, we made the most of what we had. Our friends generously contributed their cameras and knowledge, and we had an insatiable thirst to improve and grow as filmmakers.

Black Squirrel Productions provided a supportive and inclusive environment for students to develop their skills, experiment with storytelling techniques, and gain hands-on experience in the world of filmmaking. Together, we pushed the boundaries of our creativity, creating short films, documentaries, and other visual narratives.

One of the highlights of Black Squirrel Productions was the film festival we organized. It served as a platform for our work to be showcased and celebrated. The festival provided an opportunity for us to share our stories with the college community and beyond, fostering appreciation for the art of filmmaking.

The impact of Black Squirrel Productions extended far beyond our immediate circle. The success and enthusiasm generated by the club helped raise awareness about the need for a film program at our college. It brings me immense joy to know that our efforts paved the way for the establishment of a film program, providing future generations of students with opportunities we didn't have initially.

Founding and being part of Black Squirrel Productions was a transformative experience. It taught me the value of perseverance, resourcefulness, and collaboration. It showed me the power of a shared vision and the impact a group of dedicated individuals can make when they come together to pursue their passions.

I am proud of what we achieved with Black Squirrel Productions, not only in terms of the films we created but also in the lasting legacy we left behind. The establishment of a film program at our college is a testament to the impact we had on the artistic community, and it brings me great satisfaction to know that future generations of filmmakers will have the opportunities we fought for.

Black Squirrel Productions remains a cherished chapter in my journey as a filmmaker. It taught me the importance of taking initiative, pushing boundaries, and creating opportunities when they are not readily available. The memories and lessons from this experience continue to shape my approach to filmmaking and serve as a reminder of the transformative power of passion and collaboration.

Many alumni now work in the film industry.

I would say the highlight was seeing the response to our films not only from the crowd but when we were able to share our project on Funny Or Die's site and get responses from people that way.

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